Closing On Bank Holidays Could Cost Small Businesses £2,250 Each

Just one quarter of UK businesses currently open their doors on a Bank Holiday, despite high consumer demand to remain open

UK small businesses could potentially lose £2,250 each if they opt to close on every bank holiday this year, according to a report by Yell Business.

The survey of 1,500 small firms and 1,500 consumers revealed that just 26% of businesses open their doors on bank holidays – despite 86% of the public saying they specifically use the day to shop around.

Just 42% of retail, catering and leisure businesses operate as normal – though its suggested many more should consider opening too.

When divided by region, the Midlands sees the fewest amount of businesses open on bank holiday at just 16%, while Yorkshire sees the highest, with 37%.

The remaining bank holidays in 2017 are as follows:

1 May Monday Early May bank holiday

29 May Monday Spring bank holiday

28 August Monday Summer bank holiday

25 December Monday Christmas Day

26 December Tuesday Boxing Day

Mark Clisby, product and marketing director at Yell:

“While no small business owner will want to lose out on potential revenue, the benefits of ‘time off’ cannot be underestimated – working constantly and not switching off can harm productivity.

“If you do plan to capitalise on the opportunity posed by consumers on bank holidays, then make sure to book a break over a quieter period.

“On the other hand, if you are choosing to close, our advice would be to ensure you update your website and social channels with your opening times, so it’s clear to customers when they will be able to use your services again.”

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